Francis Marion Hodges was elected Sheriff of Pima County, September 6, 1865. He arrived in Tucson in 1863 and became owner of the town’s only hotel, known as Hodges’ House. While proprietor of the Hodges’ House he was elected Sheriff. He left office in 1866 and in 1867 was elected to the Fourth Territorial Legislature and was instrumental in moving the capitol from Prescott to Tucson. Hodges was appointed Undersheriff for Sheriff William S. Oury on January 4, 1873. A few days later he was elected Tucson Town Marshall and served only two months before resigning to leave town. He moved his family to Yuma and was appointed Yuma County Sheriff on July 17, 1880.

Deputy Davila

The employees of the Sheriff’s Department are like one big family. Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen and little to no information is available about the incident. We recently had a deputy who was shot in the line of duty and wanted to take the time to let everyone know about his status and what occurred.

On August 3, 2013, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Deputy Jesus Davila responded to a suspicious person call at the Circle K located at 4395 N. Romero Road. When Deputy Davila arrived he entered the store and had contact with a person fitting the description, identified as Alvin McBride. During their contact a struggle occurred, during which the suspect produced a firearm and shot Deputy Davila in the leg. The struggle continued with both parties going to the ground. Deputy Davila was able to draw his service weapon and shoot Mr. McBride.

Deputy Davila was treated for his injury at a local hospital and released. He has since been able to return to work on light duty status. He is currently assigned to the Training Center while he continues his rehabilitation.

Deputy Class 13-II

New Deputy Class 13-II started on September 9th. This class has twelve PCSD recruits, two Oro Valley Police Department recruits and one United States Air Force Security Police/Reserve Deputy recruit. This academy is twenty weeks long followed by an additional four weeks of Advanced Basic Training for PCSD recruits. The Sheriff's Department will be keeping up on their progress throughout the academy on the Department Facebook page.

Jeanne Linebarger

The Sheriff's Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jeanne (Princess) Linebarger. Jeanne was born on January 1, 1962 in Newton, NC. She was joined together with her soul mate Thomas Linebarger Sr. August 1, 1985. Jeanne passed away on August 14, 2013 at Tucson Medical Center.

Jeanne was involved with several different ministries in North Carolina prior to coming to Tucson. In 1993, Jeanne moved to Tucson with her family. She became involved with the ministry at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. She became President of the Usher Board, sang in the Adult Choir and sang in the Tucson AZ Mass Choir. She was very involved with the church Outreach Feeding Ministry as well.

As the PCWIN project is moving forward with the installation of vehicle radios by Motorola, I would like to take the time to commend the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers, of Tucson and Green Valley, who have donated their time, eight hours a day for the next three months to participate in the check-in process for the Sheriff’s Department vehicles. The installation of the new radios is a large undertaking and once again the volunteerism of our SAV’s is astonishing. A big thank you to them!

As we await the outcome of the most recent Lieutenant’s process, I am glad that so many of our sergeants chose to participate in this opportunity for advancement. By mid-October, two new lieutenants and four sergeants should be in place and I am certain they will be prepared for the challenge of their new assignments.

Scanner

(Example of 3-D replication of a crime scene)

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with the Pima County Attorney’s Office, recently purchased the Leica C10 laser scanner and the Leica GPS system. These two new pieces of equipment will allow us to record crime scenes in three dimensions with great quality.

The Leica GPS system was purchased to replace the Sokkia GPS system that the Traffic Unit has been using to document crime scenes for the past seven years. The Sokkia system was dated; experienced software and hardware failures and no longer had manufacturer support. The Leica system works the same way as the Sokkia system; however, the Leica system has advanced technology and new hardware. The Leica GPS uses court tested technology and is highly beneficial in rural and traffic related crime scenes.

In recognition of all personnel who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military, either active duty or in a reserve component, the Department has authorized a new Military Service Medal. Personnel who meet the criteria set forth below will receive the Military Service Medal.

NOTE: Uniformed personnel will also receive the Military Service Ribbon. Please refer to change in order of precedence.

In addition to the criteria set forth below, eligible employees must have successfully completed initial employment probationary period:

Has successfully and honorably completed at least one (1) enlistment as shown by a DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; OR,

Has a Certificate of Honorable Discharge. This applies to a service member who was unable to complete a full enlistment due to a combat related injury resulting in separation from the military; OR,

Has a Certificate of Honorable Discharge or Certificate of Service.

We are anticipating the initial order of medals and ribbons in the next 2-4 weeks. Issuance will be handled by order of chain-of-command approval of requests.

Sheriff's Canine Dies

The Sheriff’s Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kilo, one of our canines.

On September 10, 2013, Kilo, Deputy Ahern’s canine partner, had to be euthanized due to a sudden spinal cord injury that paralyzed the back half of his body. The injury occurred while Kilo was off duty and chasing a toy in Deputy Ahern’s back yard. Kilo was taken to the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson where he was diagnosed with trauma to his spinal cord from a broken piece of spinal disk. The veterinarians treated Kilo with every procedure available to them. Unfortunately, they were unable to restore any movement in Kilo’s rear legs.

As our 150 year anniversary approaches, we are getting ready to publish a NEW Sheriff’s Department History Book. Information will be coming out over the next few months providing details on how you will be involved in this project. Every person who is part of the Sheriff’s Department family will be pictured and given an opportunity to purchase one of these books.

Right now we are in the preliminary stages and are trying to gather the pictures and information needed to make a great book. We are looking for any old pictures, interesting stories or information people have about the Sheriff’s Department, starting from the old west and spanning to modern age of law enforcement. We will be using information from all areas of the Department. We will scan and return any photos submitted. If you have materials that you think would be good for our history book please contact Deputy Renee Carlson.

Lt. Masters TDY to AZ POST

Lieutenant Cathryn Masters is representing the Sheriff’s Department while filling a temporary duty assignment at Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZ POST). She is the In-Service Training Coordinator for the state. Her responsibilities include all AZ POST calendar, specialty and leadership schools. Her focus during this next year will be to meet with training coordinators throughout the state and get information on how POST can help assist agencies in meeting their needs through DROP, economic regrowth/hiring and assisting with transition for retiring officers.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for Lt. Masters you can reach her at (602) 223-2514 ext.269 or cathym@azpost.gov.

Material Management

Material Management has relocated! It is now at 1505 E. Apache Park Place, across the street from its old location. The set up at this new location is quite different than the old building. Parking is on the eastern side of the building, in the area that looks like loading docks. The door to enter is to the left of the dock area. When you get inside you are funneled to a front desk area where you make contact with the Material Management staff. It has taken a herculean effort on the staff’s part to make this move as quick and painless as possible. If you have any questions you can reach Material Management at (520) 351-4605.